Providence encourages students to read this summer with new initiative

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Public School Department is trying to keep students busy this summer by encouraging them to read.

At Messer Elementary School Friday, the district announced its new summer reading initiative — providing over 90,000 books to students to bring home for summer reading.

The initiative is for pre-school through 5th grade. About 80 students were part of the event Friday. They will each get 10 books and a Providence backpack.

Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said the district is responding to research that shows reading skills begin at home.

“These books will help our students build their own personal libraries,” said Montañez.